Water bonding fixture

ABSTRACT

A water bonding fixture is provided herein which includes a shaft and a plurality of electrically conductive plates disposed at one end of the shaft and spaced apart from each other so as to provide a gap between adjacent plates. Each electrically conductive plate defines two planar surfaces each of which are substantially exposed and each electrically conductive plate is electrically connected to each other electrically conductive plate to provide a surface area of conductive surface approximately equal to the exposed surface area of all of the electrically conductive plates. The water bonding fixture is preferably used in conjunction with swimming pool equipment such as pool pumps, skimmers and filters.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 14/566,110, filed Dec. 10, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/915,611, filed Dec. 13, 2013, the entire contents of both applications of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention is related to the bonding of a fluid to equalize electrical potentials.

Water in swimming pools, hot tubs and spas can develop differences in electrical potential in various locations which can result in an electrical shock to bathers. To prevent the development of different electrical potentials the metal parts of the electrical equipment connected with the water circulation system must be brought to the same electrical potential as the water by means of electrical conductors. This is accomplished by “water bonding”.

In accordance with current regulations, the water in the swimming pool must be in contact with a corrosion resistant conductor of at least 9 square inches of surface area. What is needed is a conductive fitting which satisfies the legal requirements for water bonding and can be incorporated into water pumping systems and/or retrofitted to existing swimming pool systems such as skimmers and the like.

SUMMARY

A water bonding fixture is provided herein which can include a shaft; and a plurality of electrically conductive plates disposed at one end of the shaft and spaced apart from each other so as to provide a gap between adjacent plates. The water bonding fixture is preferably used in conjunction with swimming pool equipment such as pool pumps, skimmers and filters.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the water bonding fixture of the invention;

FIG. 1A is an alternative embodiment of the water bonding fixture of the invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a swimming pooll pump assembly including the water bonding fixture according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B illustrates the water bonding fixture of the invention in connection with the reservoir of a pump;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the water bonding fixture; and,

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 3.

Like reference numerals indicate similar parts throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

The present disclosure may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the disclosure taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed disclosure.

Also, as used in the specification and including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, which are illustrated in the accompanying figures.

The water bonding fixture of the invention is preferably used in conjunction with pool equipment such as pumps, filters and skimmers and serves to electrically ground the water to prevent unequal electrical potentials between the water and any metallic objects in the pool environment. As used herein, the term “pool” encompasses swimming pools, hot tubs, spas and other bathing facilities. Although described herein with respect to pools, the water bonding fixture can be used in connection with other water environments that require water bonding, for example, fish tanks, water gardens, and fountains.

Referring to FIG. 1, in an embodiment the bonding fixture 100 includes a shaft 120 and a plurality of electrically conductive plates 111/112/113 in a head portion 110 attached to one end of said shaft 120. Head portion 110 includes at least two, and preferably three or more plates.

In the embodiment illustrated herein, head portion 110 includes three arcuate plates 111/112/113 having a substantially quadrangular periphery. Plates 111/112/113 are substantially parallel to each other, or layered, arranged and spaced apart from each other to provide a gap between adjacent plates. The gap between the adjacent plates is wide enough to permit the flow of water therethrough and preferably ranges from about 0.015 inches to about 0.25 inches, although distances outside of this range may also be employed whenever appropriate for the purposes described herein.

Plates 111/112/113 can be fabricated from an electrically conductive material such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper and the like, which is sufficiently corrosion resistant to maintain water bonding effectiveness over the life of the fixture. Spacer elements 118 (FIG. 2) can be disposed between plates 111/112/113 to maintain the gap spacing.

According to some existing building codes, a plate surface area in contact with the water is required to be a minimum of nine square inches. A single plate with a surface area of nine square inches can be difficult to deploy in small, confined and/or shaped locations. For example, a reservoir or pump may have limited interior space in which a large plate could obstruct water flow therein. With multiple plates the overall dimensions can be reduced. For example, with three plates each plate can be reduced in size to possess a surface area of three square inches, thereby permitting use of the bonding fixture of the present application in more confined locations.

Shaft 120 of bonding fixture 100 is generally cylindrical and can include a smooth portion 121 in the vicinity of head portion 110, a threaded portion 122, and an end portion 123. A nut 130 (e.g., a hex nut) may be mounted on threaded portion 122 and a washer 131 can be mounted on the shaft 120 between the nut 130 and head portion 110. Seals 115 and 116 can be mounted on the shaft smooth portion 121 between head portion 110 and washer 131. Seals 115 and 116 are preferably fabricated from a resilient polymeric material.

End portion 123 of the shaft preferably has an axial bore 124 and a screw fastener 140 rotatably mounted to the side of the shaft and which penetrates the shaft. Axial bore 124 is adapted to receive a conductive grounding wire which is inserted therein to a distance aligned with screw 140. Screw 140 can be tightened to press down on the wire in bore 124, thereby fixedly securing the wire and preventing its unintended detachment from bonding fixture 100. Other means for connecting a grounding wire to water bonding fixture 100 are contemplated.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, an alternative embodiment 100A of the water bonding fixture 100A having multiple arcuate quadrangular plates is illustrated. Water bonding fixture 100A includes a head portion 150 having multiple conductive plates 151/152/153 mounted to a threaded shaft 160. Shaft 160 includes a transverse aperture 161 and an axial aperture 162. Water bonding fixture 100A further includes a nut 165 rotatably mounted on threaded shaft 160, a washer 166 and a resilient seal 167. A grounding cable 180 having a conductive wire 181 and insulative sheath 182 is shown connected to shaft 160 such that the wire 181 is disposed through the transverse aperture 161. A screw member 170 is engaged in axial aperture 162 and may be tightened onto the wire 181 to fixedly secure wire 181 to prevent inadvertent disconnection.

Although several configurations have been described herein to connect a grounding wire to the water bonding fixture (e.g., 124/140 or 161/170), other configurations are contemplated. For example, the grounding wire can be soldered or welded directly to the shaft without any apertures or screws.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the bonding fixture 100 is shown in conjunction with a reservoir 300 of a swimming pool pump assembly 350. Swimming pool pump assembly 350 includes a strainer assembly 300, a centrifugal pump assembly 320 and a motor 330. Strainer assembly 300 includes a strainer housing or chamber 310. Chamber 310 is enclosed by wall 311 and during use contains water which is in fluid connection with the swimming pool water. Bonding fixture 100 is disposed through an aperture in the wall 311 such that head portion 110 containing plates 111/112/113 is positioned in chamber 310 and in contact with the water. Seal 115 abuts the inner opening of the aperture to prevent water leakage therethrough. Seal 116 closes the outer opening of the aperture in wall 311. Seals 115 and 116 have conical portions to seat securely in the respective openings of the aperture in the wall 311; other seal configurations are contemplated.

In use, the nut 130 is rotated along threaded portion 122 to force the washer 116 into tight engagement with the aperture, thereby sealing the aperture to prevent leakage of water therethrough. The grounding wire is inserted into bore 124 in the exposed end of shaft 120 and screw 140 is then tightened to secure the grounding wire. Bonding fixture 100A may be employed in a pool pump in a manner similar to that of fixture 100.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, in another embodiment bonding fixture 200 includes a shaft 220 with a smooth portion 221 and a threaded portion 222. At the end of smooth portion 221, bonding fixture 200 includes a head portion 210. Head portion 210 includes a plurality of convex electrically conductive plates 211/212/213 each having a circular periphery. Plates 211/212/213 are arranged concentrically in spaced configuration so as to provide gaps between the adjacent plates. The gaps are of sufficient dimensions so as to permit the flow of water therethrough. A disk shaped flange 214 is disposed on smooth portion 221 in the concavity formed by the plate 213. As with the previously described embodiment discussed above, the total surface area of the plates 211/212/213 must be at least nine square inches to comply with building code requirements (although variations are contemplated). A single plate would require a diameter of about 3.4 inches. However, the overall diameter of the largest plate 211 can be reduced since multiple plates are employed, each of which contributes to the conductive surface area for water bonding.

Bonding fixture 200 can be integrally fabricated as a single piece of metal and can be used in conjunction with washer(s), seal(s) and nut(s) as described above to be mounted to a pool pump, skimmer, filter or other pool equipment. Any of known means (not shown) for attaching a grounding wire to bonding fixture 200 can be used in connection with bonding fixture 200.

Bonding fixtures 100, 100A and 200 can be used in original equipment or can be after market items for retrofitting into existing equipment.

While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations of the invention, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision many other embodiments within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto. For example, although the water bonding fixtures described herein are shown in conjunction with a pool pump, they can be used in any pool equipment wherein the bonding fixture is in contact with water in fluid connection with water in a bathing facility. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A water bonding fixture, comprising: a shaft; and a plurality of electrically conductive arcuate shaped plates disposed at one end of the shaft and spaced apart from each other so as to provide a gap between adjacent plates, wherein each electrically conductive plate defines two planar surfaces each of which are substantially exposed and each electrically conductive plate is electrically connected to each other electrically conductive elate to provide a surface area of conductive surface approximately equal to the exposed surface area of all of the electrically conductive plates.
 2. The water bonding fixture of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrically conductive plates have a quadrangular periphery.
 3. The water bonding fixture of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrically conductive plates have a circular periphery.
 4. The water bonding fixture of claim 1, wherein the shaft has a threaded portion.
 5. The water bonding fixture of claim 4, further comprising a nut mounted to the threaded portion of the shaft.
 6. The water bonding fixture of claim 1, wherein said fixture is configured to connect to a grounding wire.
 7. The water bonding fixture of claim 1, further comprising at least one seal positionable on the shaft and configured to provide a water seal between the shaft and the seal.
 8. The water bonding fixture of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of electrically conductive plates are substantially parallel to each other.
 9. The water bonding fixture of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrically conductive plates comprise at least a first plate and a second plate, the first plate is larger than the second plate such that the first plate concentrically surrounds the second plate.
 10. The water bonding fixture of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrically conductive plates are uniform in shape.
 11. The water bonding fixture of claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrically conductive plates are electrically connected to each other.
 12. A method of providing the water bonding fixture of claim 1 in an existing water filter, comprising the steps of: providing an aperture in a wall of the water filter, the aperture configured to accept the shaft of the water bonding fixture; affixing the water bonding fixture into the aperture such that the electrically conductive plates are positioned within a water chamber of the water filter and a free end of the shaft is positioned outside the water chamber; and attaching a grounding wire to the end of the shaft positioned outside the water chamber.
 13. A water bonding fixture, comprising: a shaft; and a plurality of electrically conductive plates disposed at one end of the shaft and spaced apart from each other so as to provide a gap between adjacent plates, wherein each electrically conductive plate defines two planar surfaces, each of which are substantially exposed and each electrically conductive plate is electrically connected to each other electrically conductive plate to provide a surface area of conductive surface approximately equal to the exposed surface area of all of the electrically conductive plates.
 14. The water bonding fixture of claim 13, wherein said water bonding fixture is configured to connect to a grounding wire.
 15. The water bonding fixture of claim 13, wherein the plurality of electrically conductive plates comprise at least a first plate and a second plate, the first plate is larger than the second plate such that the first plate concentrically surrounds the second plate.
 16. A water bonding fixture, comprising: a shaft; and a plurality of electrically conductive arcuate shaped plates disposed at one end of the shaft and spaced apart from each other so as to provide a gap between adjacent plates, wherein the electrically conductive plates comprise at least a first plate and a second plate, and the first plate is larger than and concentrically surrounds the second plate and wherein the plates are electrically connectable to an electrical ground and configured and adapted to equalize the electrical potential of water coming into contact with the plates.
 17. The water bonding fixture of claim 16, wherein the plurality of electrically conductive plates have a quadrangular periphery.
 18. The water bonding fixture of claim 16, wherein the plurality of electrically conductive plates have a circular periphery.
 19. The water bonding fixture of claim 16, wherein the shaft has a threaded portion and a nut is mounted to the threaded portion of the shaft.
 20. The water bonding fixture of claim 16, wherein said fixture is configured to connect to a grounding wire.
 21. The water bonding fixture of claim 16, wherein the plurality of electrically conductive plates are electrically connected to each other.
 22. A method of providing the water bonding fixture of claim 16 in an existing water filter, comprising the steps of: providing an aperture in a wall of the water filter, the aperture configured to accept the shaft of the water bonding fixture; affixing the water bonding fixture into the aperture such that the electrically conductive plates are positioned within a water chamber of the water filter and a free end of the shaft is positioned outside the water chamber; and attaching a grounding wire to the end of the shaft positioned outside the water chamber.
 23. A water bonding fixture, comprising: a shaft; and a plurality of electrically conductive plates disposed at one end of the shaft and spaced apart from each other so as to provide a gap between adjacent plates, wherein the electrically conductive plates comprise at least a first plate and a second plate, and the first plate is larger than and concentrically surrounds the second plate and wherein the plates are electrically connectable to an electrical ground and configured and adapted to equalize the electrical potential of water coming into contact with the plates.
 24. A method of using a water bonding fixture, comprising the steps of: providing the water bonding fixture of claim 1: providing an aperture in a wall of an existing water filter having a water chamber, the aperture configured to accept the shaft and spaced apart plates of the water bonding fixture; affixing the water bonding fixture into the aperture such that the electrically conductive plates are positioned within the water chamber of the water filter and a free end of the shaft is positioned outside the water chamber; and attaching a grounding wire to the end of the shaft positioned outside the water chamber.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the plurality of electrically conductive plates comprise at least a first plate and a second plate, the first plate is larger than the second plate such that the first plate concentrically surrounds the second plate. 